President Xi: China to enhance disaster prevention capabilities

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a letter to the International Conference for the Decade Memory of the Wenchuan Earthquake, which opened in Chengdu city, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Xi said in the letter that remarkable achievements have been made in reconstruction through the years and highlighted the importance of disaster prevention and relief to human development.

Read more: Graphics: Wenchuan earthquake and quakes in China

He emphasized that there is no end to the human understanding of the laws of nature, and disaster prevention and reduction, and disaster relief are the eternal subjects of human survival and development.

He called on the international community to work together to understand the rules of disaster in a scientific way, minimize the risk of disasters and realize the harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature.

The photo shows the ruins of a middle school in Beichuan Qiang Autonomous county, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, May 13, 2008. /VCG Photo

China will adhere to the people-centered concept of development, and comprehensively enhance its disaster prevention capabilities to provide a solid guarantee for the safety of people's lives and properties, said the president.

Xi also said he hoped the representatives can brainstorm together and make contribution to the international cooperation in disaster reduction as well as building a community with a shared future for mankind.

On May 12, 2008, the magnitude-8 quake that hit Wenchuan of Sichuan Province killed nearly 70,000 people, leaving nearly 18,000 missing and millions homeless.

In connection to the fourth International Conference on Continental Earthquakes, the International Conference for the Decade Memory of the Wenchuan Earthquake is organized by the China Earthquake Administration and is scheduled from Saturday to Monday.